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Have you tried: Barre

If you think it’s all about pirouettes and pliés; think again. Barre is a multi-dimensional fitness class that will work muscles you never knew you had, as two of our Goers discovered…

“It’s great for people who want to keep fit, tone-up, lose weight, try something new and have a laugh as well” – instructor Kat Szymanski

Before the class…

Brogan Petersen and Claire Tooth were the lucky winners of Lighten Up’s Barre class double pass. Having both done dancing before, they had never tried Barre and were excited to give it a go. “It’s something different for Townsville; another form of fitness,” Brogan said. “You can do dance, the hill and the gym, but there’s nothing like this.”

So what exactly is Barre?

“It’s like a power Pilates class with ballet-style moves, strength exercises and yoga stretching,” says instructor Kat Szymanski, who — as we quickly discover — has an upfront and friendly approach that makes everyone feel welcome. “Barre requires more coordination than Pilates, but it’s great for people who want to keep fit, tone-up, lose weight, try something new and have a laugh as well.” She says it’s also a great strengthening activity for people with injury-prone knees and the style and size of the class means participants can go at their own pace.

After the class…

We caught up with Brogan after her first Barre experience to see what she thought.

Best part: “Using muscles I don’t use on a regular basis! It was good to do exercise that was different and I enjoyed the dance side — there were heaps of moves I remember from dancing, plus new yoga and Pilates exercises.”

Tips: “Some of the exercises were pretty tough and there were a lot of strength-based moves, so be prepared to feel your inner thighs and triceps… actually, it’s a good all over burn! The good thing is anyone can do this class, even if you don’t have a dance background… it’s great for your posture too.”

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Carly Lubicz is combining two of her great loves — writing and getting active. Previously working as a journalist, sub-editor, and editor in newspapers and magazines; she is editor and co-founder of TheGo Townsville. She stays active with the staples of road cycling and yoga, but has recently discovered triathlon. And become addicted (apart from the swimming part). She also has a Cert III in Fitness and is passionate about improving mental health through physical activity.